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From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

Nessel Warns Energy Providers Against Price Gouging During Cold Snap

Propane
Pixabay Creative Commons

If you think your propane provider is unfairly raising your rates during the cold snap, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants you to notify her office.

Nessel sent out a warning to energy providers Wednesday. She said if providers take advantage of consumers – they will be held accountable.

“The concern is, we want everyone to have access to fuel to heat their homes. We don’t want anyone to be taken advantage of,” said Nessel spokeswoman Kelly Rossman-McKinney

More than 300-thousand Michigan homes use propane. McKinney said the statewide average cost of propane is about two dollars per gallon. She said if consumers believe they are being overcharged for their propane, they should file a complaint with the AG’s office either online at Michigan.gov/agcomplaints or by calling 1-877-765-8388.

“We’re not expecting companies to take advantage of residents, especially vulnerable residents, but we are saying, ‘Hey, we are watching. We are listening and we are prepared to act should that occur,’” Rossman-McKinney said.

During the 2013-2014 winter season, there was another state of emergency due to cold, and McKinney said the Attorney General’s office received hundreds of complains of price gouging.

Before becoming the newest Capitol reporter for Michigan Public Radio Network, Cheyna Roth was an attorney. She spent her days fighting it out in court as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Ionia County.
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